Public Speaking – Are You Afraid of Failure?

My brother, the legendary guitarist Robert Fripp says that with music as with speaking, “When you do something well, everyone says, ‘Oh, he’s a natural.’ ‘Oh, she doesn’t have to worry; this comes naturally.’ However, even when it appears effortless – even with natural talent – you still need the discipline of following the process and doing the work.”

Sometimes “following the process” means pushing through experiences that feel like complete failures. My friend, Sims Wyeth, author of The Essentials of Persuasive Public Speaking, offers this perspective to help you better handle moments of “failure” in your public speaking:

Fail Your Way to Success
by Sims Wyeth

Some people think that the ability to communicate effectively is innate—you either have it or you don’t.  Wrong!  It is an art that can be learned by everyone, including the shy, the dull, and the inarticulate.

The stories are innumerable:

Churchill fainted at his first speech in Parliament.

As secretary of the navy, FDR bored people to tears. 

Bill Clinton was booed at the 1988 Democratic Convention for his long-windedness.

Yet all three are now known as brilliant communicators.  They persisted and excelled.  So can you.

To watch fast, fun “Tip Clips” on “How to look confident when speaking,” “How to gesture while speaking,” and “How to slow down while speaking,” visit the Sims Wyeth & Co. bookstore.

Sims Wyeth is the president of Sims Wyeth & Co., an executive development firm in Montclair, NJ devoted to the art and science of speaking persuasively.

Thank you Sims!

I am often asked, “Is it possible for anyone to become a great speaker?” Others want to know, “Can I become good enough to get paid to speak?” My reply is, “I guarantee you do not lack the talent to do this. You might lack the patience. Learn to love the process.”

Whether you are a beginner or a professional speaker you can dramatically improve the quality of your presentations with Fripp Virtual Training.

Fripp VT is a state-of-the-art, web-based training platform that emulates live training and coaching. It is almost as if Presentation Expert and Executive Speech Coach, Patricia Fripp were sitting in front of you. Fripp VT is designed to be immediately engaging and makes it fun to learn. If you are a novice presenter or a seasoned professional, you will find the content both practical and relevant.

Sign up for your complimentary seven-day trial and discover how Fripp VT can transform you and your team. Take advantage of your free trial.

“I highly recommend FrippVT to everyone who speaks in public or has to. It just doesn’t make sense to be without 24/7 access to the wisdom and experience of the master of professional that Patricia Fripp is. FrippVT is a must-have resource for all professionals.”
– Pat Lynch, President, Business Alignment Strategies

Executive Speech Coach and Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Patricia Fripp works with individuals and companies who realize that powerful, persuasive presentation skills give them a competitive edge.